INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Season 2 Episode 5 Reaction and Discussion 2x5

[@netherworlde]

I know we're all singing our praises for Jacob, Sam, and Assad's performances but let's not forget Luke. He worked in little mannerisms and inflections in his voice that made me go, "that's Daniel EXACTLY." Everyone understood the assignment. One of the best bottle episodes I've ever seen.

[@obsidianmermaid]

The fact that this was Assad's first filmed episode to freely be Armand without the Rashid lie I'm weeping with joy. Jacob and Sam often command every scene they touch Assad took the crown this episode in understanding Armand, every one is a gem. This show is such a comfort to a 25 year black fan especially I LOVED these books and to see the diversity and perfection in the casting and all the new fans makes me feel less lonely in a fandom that was so overwhelming white and problematic. I cannot, cannot wait to see how they weave together the rest of the Chronicles, I hope like hell we reach the end because it's so so rewarding, this series was such a balm to heal my traumas reading theirs.

[@lleh3712]

It was filmed during season 1?

[@obsidianmermaid]

@lleh3712 no its his first scene truly being Armand not faking he's Rashid and his first thing filmed this season.

[@dogquixote]

And both the fight and the “rest” scene at the end were shot without any prior rehearsal!!!

[@obsidianmermaid]

​@dogquixote I saw they said that, and I was just SO captivated by Assad in both scenes, I even laughed at him mocking Louis "mah sister buried me ahlive!"😂 he gave back as good as he got you can see him fighting to keep himself in control. The way his mouth was working not to bare his fangs and go for the kill (literally and figuratively) when Louis asks who Armand was going to be tonight, Armand was boiling, working his body to calm down and not turn into the animal Louis THINKS Armand isn't capable of being and it's right there carefully restrained when he so full of hurt and rage and Louis doesn't know him at all. And the rest speech being a sorrowful look at the life ahead and peacefully surrendering to something that sounds so much better, as Armand said like a bath, I almost wanted to fall into Armand's arms too and embrace the end.

[@theresacolton644]

@@obsidianmermaidTrue. Louis is different with Armand. He knows Armand won’t physically hurt him and he will restrain himself. If that had been Lestat that would have gone very differently.

[@romanmccoy5074]

the reason armand wants to know why daniel is fascinating is the armands problem. Hes too old, too static, unchanging. Daniel is simply alive and dynamic. Vampires arent just drawn to mortals for food, but for the fact that they are alive, changing, dynamic. Daniel is simply an emotional stand in for louis' mental health and unwillingness to accept his nature completely

[@tsheporabekane4172]

I said this at another channel, Lestat, Louie and Armand need Daniel because Daniel provides an anchor to all their humanity, I even believe that Armand keeps Daniel alive for that reason, even in the present. They all secretly need Daniel and they cannot confess it...

[@0l._.l0895]

Absolutely this, the age that they were all turned, combined with the life they had before they were turned really makes a huge change for all of them because just like how Claudia can't fully change neither can they. Armand especially, never got to be a person with actual life goals. He has constantly always been living for somebody else and without that, he doesn't know how to function so this causes him to cling on to ideals and people.

[@BG-kn3nt]

It would make sense because why is Armand more comfortable with the interview now compared to San Francisco. And Louis was talking about Lestat more lovingly for at least 8 sessions.

[@felicia3924]

Did you realise Armand stole all Louis helpfull lines to and about Daniel (he sees something in him "proves fruitfull in later times" etc) and pretented he was the one who wanted Daniel alive? Armand wanted to kill Daniel and he pretended to be the good guy/self inserted him saying nice things in Louis and Daniels mind.

[@niyah7139]

from the very beginning even when Armand was talking to Daniel and Louis was asleep. he keeps making it out like he needs to be controlled

[@BG-kn3nt]

Love this comment you’re so right. Armand not only changes memories but also makes himself the good guy.

[@amyg9518]

There are no villains here, only monsters. What you saw Armand become is the shell he is when he is between masters--simple, uncomprehending, undefined. He's not with Louis because he's a saint, he's with him because he doesn't know how to be a person on his own. No one ever allowed him to learn. His alternative is to exist as a sort of wild animal. I don't think Louis is the villain, but he's definitely his own biggest problem. They all are their own biggest problems. The acting was so incredible in this episode! Armand is my favorite in the books, and Assad is an absolute dream come true. Getting to finally see this rawest form of the character almost made me cry (and, if we get a season 3, there should be a lot of this Armand in Lestat's backstory).

[@obsidianmermaid]

Poor Armand, the earth shattering pain of just wanting to be loved by either of these vampires and having to see and hear their devotion for each other and be a conduit of it and not receive it as his own I'm not sure I could tell Louis that Lestat said I love you either.

[@beautifulloly]

I wouldn't call Louis a villain, but i also never called Lestat a villain, and I won't do it to Armand either. What we know about Louis is that he keeps everything in, the pain, the suffering, the love, until it bursts out years later, he's so resentful. He's a ticking time bomb! There's so much trauma in him, and he keeps getting with men who make it worse. As he's uncovering pieces of himself he forgot existed, there's just this feeling that he's going to explode because he never processed ANYTHING. And anytime Louis explodes he's so violent and nasty and murderous, which is what we SHOULD fear. We're missing a lot of context but we can tell he's been suffering for a while now, he feels lonely even with Armand, which is why he enjoyed being with Daniel so much, he felt like his first friend in decades. Honestly if you feel like Louis is a villain, then you might have to consider Armand a villain too! Louis was so out of pocket and cruel in the beginning, and the drugs do not excuse any of his words, but Armand was also cruel with almost everything he did that episode. Especially erasing this whole fight from Louis' memory... He's afraid to lose him but they overcame it at the end, he even erased Louis' suicide attempt... He's controlling the narrative of Louis' life and we don't know many times he did that. And I really do like Armand lol and i think everything he does is out of fear, and because he genuinely thinks it's the right thing to do. I disagree with you saying Armand didn't take it out on Daniel because he did 😭 tortured him physically and mentally for DAYS + Armand can't be hurt by the sun like louis does, they said that previously, "as we age the sun loses its power over us"

[@nonofogaborone6640]

I also wondered how many times Louis has tried to fry himself😢😢😢 it's an act of love but it's manipulation at its highest

[@raestone4270]

Armand is not practicing restraint 🤣. Armand’s style of punishment is cold, calculating and quiet. He excels at penance and punishment. Also, he’s impervious to the sun. There was no danger or risk for him going after Louis, in fact he could have prevented him from going into the sun by simply saying “rest”. Calling Lestat was also not an act of selflessness. Notice how Louis kept saying no.

[@l.josino]

@@raestone4270 It's true that the sun can't harm him, but I don't think Armand realized where Louis was running to before he actually got to the roof. If he could have stopped him before, he would have (his voice was genuinely scared for him when he saved him). I also don't think that negates that he might have left him cooking in the bed for a while just to be petty and let him feel the consequences of his actions a bit (in his mind).

[@gbekeee858]

I don’t even understand why he called up lestat to hurt Louis further??

[@sapphicdeancas8232]

i mean armand SAYS that he would let louis go but he DOESN'T! after all of this he wipes louis memory so he will not leave him alone. i think armand loves louis very much but to the point that he would do anything, including manipulating louis' mind so louis would stay together with him. i also read a few of the scenes pretty different, for example I read the channeling lestat scene more as cruel, he is tormenting louis with lestat while louis is in extreme pain, physically and mentally. but yes, what armand wanted the most is to understand how he can be fascinating for louis. I don't really see his actions as 'being the bigger person', I see them more as desperate and kind of unhinged. BUT I love armand's character and I understand him and why he is the way he is, this was my favorite episode I think of the whole series

[@jordanparker657]

It's amazing how people watch the same thing and read it differently. That is the beauty of art. Armand was torturing Louis , Daniel and Lestat all in the same days and they are praising his patience....??? Firstly going into the sun doesn't bother Armand - no fear. He was as vicious as Louis during the argument - fair. But when he saves Louis he can start to heal him immediately by giving him his blood like he eventually does after Louis begged enough to satisfy his anger. He tortured both Daniel and Louis by physically hurting Daniel , knowing Louis would also suffer more as he lay burnt, unable to intervene and having to hear it. He has called to Lestat while Louis was at his lowest , he relays part of the message but he knows now Louis is bored with him , he will never tell him Lestat loves him. So by refusing to relay that part of the message, Lestat begs him to and as he calls out to Louis and Armand says nothing then breaks the connection....Lestat now thinks Louis is dead. So Armand got the payback he wanted on Lestat for not being his companion and not loving him. So for saving Louis he now wants to kill Daniel as a reward. But Louis stops him and Armand says" are you asking me?" and Louis says " No Arun". ( so he's taking him back to his slave days) but more importantly Louis knows Armand , at his core was trained to be and then a willing ( though can a boy consent) sub to his Maker Marius. That's what he knows and as long as he commands...Armand will do. But what he didn't ask for was to have his and Daniel's memories erased. It has effected both of their lives tremendously. Louis for these 50 years still thinks he killed Lestat and Claudia's fate not sure if he knows that either. So the entire interaction with Daniel and Louis in San Francisco was Armand finally getting his Dom on and relishing it in total. 😊 This was brilliantly done by all the actors as was the writing and directing. When I remembered this was the first episode filmed of the season, standing ovations for days. Bravo boys bravo👏👏👏 I love them all. No heros. No villains just flawed individuals just like us all. ❤

[@yuriborba9618]

​@@jordanparker657very well put! I'm seriously baffled to see how lots of people didn't catch the whole mental/emotional abuse Armand was doing and the damage it caused through decades of both Daniel's and Louis's lives. And that says a lot of how good the character was written and interpreted. Remember when Louis tells Daniel "his (Armand's) methods are never violent". They are!!! Armand is an extremely violent psycho but it doesn't show because he keeps it together, he doesn't lash out destroying everything like Lestat does - and Louis was not used to that! Louis was used to have Lestat beating him up, destroying their home, shouting, threatening, etc - but Armand, Armand doesn't do that. He makes Louis feels guilty, gaslight him into thinking he was ungrateful while Armand was only doing the best for him, brings up to surface all of Louis past traumas, puts Louis in a vulnerable situation where he doesn't have anyone but Armand's to rely on and even then, makes Louis begs for it - and then, and only then, he helps while also messing with Louis memories. It's extreme mental abuse, absolute violence, yet so subtle one may think it's not happening at all - or worse, that it's justified somehow. But the scariest part is that it happens all the time, between Armand and Louis and we can see that on a closer look on their interactions. The way Armand have Louis believe "he will always protect Louis best interests even when Louis doesn't see it" hello? The fact that Armand often controls Louis reaction to something by doing some physical contact to bring Louis attention to him rather then whichever Louis is thinking at the moment. The fact that Armand is always middling the interview between Daniel and Louis and that we, as viewers can clearly see that sometimes Louis feels very differently of Armand's inputs. Also, more subtle mind plays, when Armand says they got a buyer for the triptych to which Louis respond "he didn't know they've put the paintings for sale" - so Armand is operating on Louis back, running the things on his own without dialogue. Then later, when Louis feels confused and frustrated about the photographies of another photographer on his folder, Armand says "perhaps you got it there by mistake, perhaps you were confused" and Louis feels outraged at the mention, to which Armand casually dischards by saying "it was probably Rashid". Gosh, he is constantly abusing Louis and playing mind games - all the time! Back in Paris, the way he controlled the coven, the way he treated Claudia, the way she was made to perform as a little child on and off stage - that was not a lesson of any kind! It was merely to torture her and break her down! A monster in a lamb's skin that Armand.

[@jordanparker657]

@@yuriborba9618 Brilliant observations. I forgot about the sale of the paintings - he coordinates things on his own and then informs Louis. Armand is vicious but as he told Louis in Paris when teaching him the fire gift - he looks for the weakness in the item and he does the same with people and vampires. Somehow he has not only removed Louis memories of San Francisco but Paris as well because on 2020 when this interview began Louis still thinks he killed Lestat when I think he sees him at the trial. How is this possible? Has the last 50 years been a complete lie? We love these characters. Some may be our favorites but they are all lovable monsters to someone in the Fandom. None all right, none all wrong. 🥰🌷 I look forward to Sunday" s episode.

[@yuriborba9618]

@@jordanparker657 yes! The line about finding the weakness/vulnerability in something so he can work on it. Well thought! That gives the audience a glimpse on how his mind works. One of the scariest of them all - much to our delight. And the way they choose to portrait his wrath on the show, that scene with his eyes flickering ragingly against his otherwise serene features - ugh! Brilliant. I couldn't agree more with you, they are all lovable monsters - deep flawed, broken, traumatized and that's the thing: they are not (not all of them, at least) sociopaths without conscience or heart pursuing a sadistic pleasure for the sake of the violence - they are monsters, yes, but it's not so much about morals as it is about "hurt people hurt people" and in this case, these hurt people happens to be vampires, changed/enhanced/cursed by the Dark Gift, so, hurt people on steroids. But there's still soul to them. It reminded me of what Claudia said: "I've only known three vampires in my whole existence: you, the motherfckr and him (Lestat) - I'm looking for one, just one, that isn't a fcking bastard!" - she says that clueless (allegedly) to the fact that she is as broken and monstrous as sny of them - damn, she ended Lestat and wrote his last words with his own blood, still flowing from the wound! Talk about being a bastard Hahaha The show did such an amazing job until here, telling us the story of these dark creatures, so different from us, yet so alike, what a delight! Same as you, can't wait for the next!

[@jordanparker657]

@@yuriborba9618 Well said. Love your description of our Beloved monsters. We will gather Sunday or Monday and continue our discussion on this fabulous series . Happy Tuesday 🌷🥰 I would give you 2 thumbs up if I could. ☺️😎

[@niyah7139]

Louid didn't even want to label the relationship Armand did. How many times he got to say he don't really want him.

[@lstarsabb]

Right! Its like " He's just not that into you" 🤣

[@hopet7090]

Armand is very aware of the power he holds and is very adapt at psychological torture. I wonder if you noticed what Armand says at the end is exactly what Louis says to Daniel in the beginning. “Armand’s words and memories in Louis head and mouth”. To me that feels very like heavy - Louis saying Armand’s words in a way that Louis feels like they are his own but at the end. I don’t think Louis is the sole villain. So much of louis and Armand’s actions are driven by trauma and what people do to him (some of which we haven’t seen yet ). Each character for me are very sympathetic but are doing very twisted stuff at different times. So at one point one person is the villlian and then later it gets flipped. Very toxic relationships

[@icedchy]

Armand hearing Lestat saying he loves Louis and having to deal with never hearing those words from him when they were together. The two people he’s loved. Also him asking if he’s going to be on unalive watch for the next 1000 years and present day controlling the sun shades in the Dubai home. I love this damn show lol

[@TheKanyinsola]

I’m going to hold your hand while I say this… they were NEVER together.. at least not like that.. Armand made it all up to feel closer to Louis.. (sort of a shared enemy)

[@SamEfDee]

​@@TheKanyinsolaIt this is a spoiler from the book, never do this again. If we wanted to know before the show revealed it, we'd read the book and get those details as intended within the story.

[@TheKanyinsola]

@@SamEfDee oh sorry about that. Haven’t read the books.. I could just tell Armand was lying because he said things like “the audience didn’t like Lestat” or the fact that they had sex in the theatre with his ex watching. Louis Lestat might be bad but I didn’t see him doing that!

[@_Fountain]

@TheKanyinsola Hi! Personally, I don't mind book spoilers but in case others do, you could delete your comment? It's clear you see through these character's bullshit quite easily 😅

[@sarahcoleman9912]

Wow, Armand has you two fooled too 😂 Daniel is like this now bc he knows he is being snowed by Armand and Louis is too. Did you to notice that the same words Armand used at the end were the ones Louis had been programmed to say at the beginning? Young Daniel didn’t understand bc he was young and human. That was what made him interesting in the first place. Also if you remember from season 1 the sun doesn’t hurt Armand.

[@istoppedthecar]

I felt that this was an extraordinary piece of television. This show does fire on all cylinders, in terms of everyone involved - in front of and behind the cameras - being at the top of their game - but this episode was probably the most impressive so far, even counting episode one of the first series. I don't think there's ever been an example of a show taking excellent source material which seems not to need tweaking, and improving on it so remarkably.

[@roseofthegarden_]

First, I'll say that I do not think Louis is in any way the villain. I don't even think there necessarily _is_ a villain in this story, because everyone's pov makes sense when you think about it. Lestat, Louis, Armand, Claudia, Daniel, etc, they all have trauma and are all dealing with it in different, and some far more toxic ways, and it's understandable because they're vampires and their isn't any therapist they can go to. Armand, I do understand him, but also keep in mind he is extremely powerful and also extremely lonely. Louis was the first vampire he's tried again with since Lestat, and he absolutely doesn't want to let Louis go, and if he really wanted to truly give him this potential out? He'd have repeated to him that Lestat says he loves him. The truth is, Armand didn't _really_ want to give Louis an out. He was punishing him. And he was punishing Lestat as well (according to Sam who plays him, Lestat now thinks Louis is dead, because of the way Armand just cut him off after he said Louis is ill). Armand was punishing Louis. For his words (while high on drugged blood), for choosing death (Louis 'heard' Claudia and tried to go to her), for being hung up on Lestat, etc. It's also why he didn't heal him quicker and let him suffer instead of putting him in his coffin. Armand is desperate to keep Louis around, it's why he will do anything to do it, even become "subservient" to him, but it's a facade, made to keep Louis around. This episode showed not only how powerful he can be, but the depths of his manipulation, which I think you guys missed. The words Armand said at the end? How he protects Louis from himself? How he saw in Daniel that he may one day be important? These are _verbatim_ what Louis said at the _start_ of the episode. This shows Armand _planted_ those words into Louis mind. He wiped Louis memories and gave him rehearsed ones, and that calls into question how many other times he wiped his memory. He also wiped Daniel's. This kind of non-consensual mindfuckery is horrific. What else has he kept from Louis? What words now are actually Louis and what are Armands? How legit even _is_ this second interview? Why does he keep those books so high up in the air when Louis can't fly? What else happened, because I doubt that's all there is to it. And regardless of the traumatic night, it _wasn't_ Armand's place to erase _Louis_ memories. I can understand Daniel because it's a security measure, but Louis? It was to set a "reset" button on Louis mind. How many other times has he "reset" Louis brain to suit him? As for Louis, he said some incredibly hurtful things, and I do think a part of him does take advantage of Armand's feelings for him, because in a way it probably makes him feel safe and comfortable, that he feels more in charge than he did with Lestat. But it is still a facade. That's why Louis is asking him what he's getting tonight? "The gremlin or the good nurse?" Is he gonna "lick my boots" or "chop my hands off?" Armand is playing a role, whatever role he needs to. He isn't being himself, he's being whatever he needs to be to keep Louis. This episode showed just how powerful and manipulative and insane he can be. What we saw was a glimpse of his true monster inside, just like we saw Lestat's true monster before. Because of Louis guilt and depression, this all comes off and bleeds into any relationship he has. There's also the fact that Louis has only known toxicity in his relationships. Lestat and him were so toxic, and it's really like Louis misses and craves the thrill of it because it's all he's known and that's such a realistic thing that happens. Aside from that, there's also the maker-fledgling bond that's incredibly strong with them. Louis wanted to make an inflammatory book to rile Lestat and get him to come find him, just like Lestat made an inflammatory music composition that had Louis swimming the Mississippi to find him years ago. But this also begs the question... We know now why Louis tried to do the interview back then. It was to gain Lestat's attention. Why is he doing an interview _now?_ Armand knows Louis is very damaged and he wants to help him, but not just for the sake of helping itself. He also wants Louis for himself. As for Daniel and Louis, I loved this episode with them. Did you catch how Louis was the one who helped Daniel stay afloat mentally for all these years? His words were the anchor to Daniel's perseverance. Louis words kept him hopeful, reminded him he was a bright young reporter who had stories to tell, even as the rest of his life fell apart. The way Louis and Daniel were impactful in each others lives even when they didn't know it is so important. And them both learning Armand tampered with their memories and planted new ones to make them complacent...it's tag team time.

[@BruceWayne-TheBat]

I agree with all of your comments. Understanding a supernatural being who has lived through hundreds of years of trauma requires deeper reflection, not a few lines of surface dialog.

[@user-cv3ke7so8e]

Assad's Armand was EVERYTHING! he embodied the Armand I knew and love in the books. Assad, Jacob, and Luke in this episode was gold. I love this episode!❤❤❤ This season is perfection!

[@0l._.l0895]

Armand always feels weirdly gentle at times. He goes from extremely terrifying to feeling extremely kind. The manipulation of it all. Something interesting is that when he calls Louis 'Maitre' it gives this false sense of security that Louis is the one who is in control over everything when in reality Armand is the one who is the most in control over the entire situation. He is in love if not fascinated with the idea of Louis and will do anything to preserve that but the only thing that I find interesting is that he doesn't even treat Daniel like this. He can feel Daniel easily slipping out of the false memories while Louis needs help, Armand sits down and chooses to talk to Daniel and it seems to be the truth, and Armand feels some compassion for bringing up Paris with his ex-wife. Armand is such an amazing character to look at, especially because we have no clue what other memories, he has hid from either of them.

[@meilirima9597]

What a cast of incredible actors, I hope they get nominations and wins.

[@Luusie]

I love the way you guys are approaching this! Armand isn't the villain, neither is Louis. In the end it all comes down to the loneliness of immortality and the fear they have of that loneliness. Lestat literally says it in S1E2 and it's so apparent in Armand this season. Louis hasn't had a friend since Lestat killed Miss Lily and Paul walked off that roof. He's had lovers and a daughter, but Daniel is his first friend in AGES. And that was true in 1973 and is still true in 2022. 🥲 (And Armand hasn't had a true friend since the 16th century and NEVER had a lover who put him first.)

[@six2vii]

Armand and Lestat chased Louis down to be with him. One kept him (and Claudia) with physical violence, and the other has him in a mental jail. Armand asked "Am I still paying for Paris. Have I moved an inch?" What did Armand do in Paris? How many times can this man say leave me alone; I'm mourning my brother. Leave me alone; I'm trying to find myself. Claudia has the only beef with Louis I will entertain. You get what you asked for. You wanted him. You got him, flaws and all. Armand said, "You left me for death?" Why? As soon as Louis started remembering Paris he went outside. All that being said, I love Armand. Louis don't want him, but I do. Yes, I'm a Louis and Claudia (and Armand) apologist. I love you guys and your channel.

[@weiyin8046]

The SFX in this episode were so awesome. Louis' burn makeup, Armand's powers in telekinesis like lifting Daniel or pulling out the tapes. Just so awesome.

[@_adrian_sean]

🤯🤯🤯 Syntell is right! Why did I never make the connection that Molloy is very much like Lestat? That's why Louis liked him. That's why Louis is still attracted to him. And that's why Armand wanted to chew his head off and torture him. Molloy is Louis' type and connects with Louis better than Armand ever could. They aren't master and sub in a weird s*x link. When Molloy and Louis connect they are equals

[@reneejones5760]

Also, Armand said he didn't remember much about his past in Paris but told Daniel in 73 very clearly what his earliest memory was.

[@Danielle-30]

He probably can’t remember much only some glimpses

[@itsreeeshaaa7560]

This is the Vampire Armand! I’m so happy with how this storyline is going and how Armand is written here. I was afraid that the book Armand would be too different from the series Armand. They have truly captured Armand from the books and I love it. Watching Daniel and Louie struggle with their memories of what actually happened in 1973 was so interesting to watch. Eric and Jacob really shined in this episode. I really enjoyed the back and forth with you guys at the end. Enjoyed your reactions as always.

[@glittermethis]

Yes, I’m so happy Armand got to come out and play.

[@reneejones5760]

Louis is not a villain, but he's just not who he is portraying himself as either. Louis is finding out he can't trust his own memories. What else has Armand changed in his mind. Armand is highly insecure and very manipulative. Louis said, "Is it the gremlin or the nurse" for a reason. Don't trust Armand, but don't believe Louis's account of everything.

[@KelliFranklin]

This season has already surpassed last season imo. Seeing the anger and bitterness and resentment built up in Louie and Armand play out the way it did was so good! Knowing now just how much Armand has messed with Louie and Daniel's memories makes me look at them in a different light. Such wonderful performances! I think Michel Claire nailed the essence of Louie during the commentary. Both of you have opinions that are so similar to mine. Once this series is over I hope y'all read the books. They are addictive!

[@hypocritex]

I would've respect Armand more if he would have told him what Lestat said. Can't you see. Louis recollection of Lestat is not reliable information. Lestat does love him.. that should at least be obvious to everyone. Armand blanking and planting memories does NOT make me respect him more.

[@lilianaarmijo4518]

yo tambien lo creo inluso la escena de la paliza de lestat a louis podria estar ser un recuerdo un tanto modificado x armand

[@NyikoDoris]

The thing that gets me is Armand is SO afraid of not being loved that he wears this perfect no flaws mask hiding his real personality out of fear that being himself completely with Louis could push him away and he'd be alone but I really believe if he showed Louis all of him, the fucked up parts the hurt parts and the predator parts, Louis would definitely be more open to him and their relationship as a whole but he has 514 years of trauma. HOW do you start breaking down just how much being sold by your parents then being assaulted and tossed in a brothel followed by being bought by another abuser and passed around to his friends and then being turned and just being given cult -I mean coven after coven to lead when you don't want to always be in control has messed you and your view of love up? Armand wears his manipulation like a warm 'dull beige blanket' of empathy, his cruelty to Daniel and Louis is calm and precise. Clinical. Methodical even. I have so many more thoughts on how this whole time Louis has just longed for a friend because Lestat? first husband. Armand? second husband. Claudia? daughtersister. The Coven? hated him. No relationship has been simply friendship for him and sometimes girls just need a pal (another thing I wish I could get into but can't is how Louis weaponises his affections against Armand in contrast to how Armand uses guilt-tripping in his manipulation against Lestat using brute force from Claudia and Louis POV) Interview With The Vampire is just "victim of abuse becomes an abuser and perpetuates the horrid cycle" Armand after chasing his Happy Meal and getting sunglasses only to come back home to find Louis and Daniel mean mugging him: why are the vibes off in here? (he doesn't know he's getting voted off the penthouse)

[@struggleskywalker1025]

😂 not him getting voted off the penthouse

[@NyikoDoris]

@@struggleskywalker1025 her fellow contestants have voted her off of Love Penthouse Dubai😔

[@struggleskywalker1025]

@@NyikoDoris NO. FUCK THIS I’m not watching the next episode if she ain't in it

[@NyikoDoris]

@@struggleskywalker1025 it’s scary for him. I’m sure last night he slept on the couch with his big ass shades… we need to call the network and tell them not to evict Armand de Wifeguy. This season of Love Penthouse Dubai is crazy😮‍💨

[@lillydee5978]

At the end Armand repeated what Louis said to Daniel at the beginning meaning what Louis said was planted into Louis's brain by Armand.

[@yaz7114]

armand isnt with louis just out of love - he could have left any time he wanted. infact he couldve let louis commit suicide but its also about control and its about penance. he wonders if louis is ever going to forgive for paris - something horrible will happen in the next few episodes that armand will have a hand in - and thats why he puts up with louis' tri-annual fuck off and find me routines. he also took the choice away from louis when he refused to relay lestat's message - if armand was serious about wanting to leave, he'd have given louis the choice. instead he wipes his memory of the night (and i bet you it wont be the only time he has done it) and reprograms him with a prepared script. 'i preserve louis happiness'. that is a controlling, gaslighting abusive partner. unlike lestat who beat him up, armand decides to torment louis by beating up his new friend who he didnt sleep so there's no infedility to even use for justification.

[@alinasophie7645]

i LOVE your reactions on this show and armand cause you don't see many creators seeing why armand acts the way he does. it's a really refreshing perspective thank you for that

[@L-ZE]

Fr most other reactors are so bias against armand is unfair to him

[@maize_0]

This is the only reaction that matters in my eyes for this episode 👏🏾 The other reaction channels just immediately saw Armand as the villain and didn’t even try to understand like come on, use your brains!!!!

[@deemccoy1482]

What ive always loved about Anne Rice is no vampire we ever meet is whollly the villian, they are all victims and born of trauma none of them have processed and they just keep hurting each other as just collateral damage. These are apex predators with very human hangups that only have time, centuries to have those internal wounds fester and tempers boil over that we can all relate to I think.

[@booksgurrsandpurrs]

"Oh, that was another food person. " I needed that chuckle because this episode had me dropping my jaw. Louis & Armand need to break up already, they are so toxic for each other.

[@hopet7090]

OH I WAS WAITING FOR THIS CAUSE HONEY THE GIRLS ARE Fighting! Being messy and erasing memories

[@HorrorGeek9]

This might be my favorite episode of the whole show. I adore Daniel and Louis' relationship. They are essentially each other's only friends. I love Armand but he screwed with both Louis and Daniel's mind. Louis and Armand flip flop on being the Lestat in the relationship. Like Armand said in this episode he is a constant reminder to Louis about what happened in Paris. Jacob and Assad acted their asses off this episode 1 🙌🏽

[@sashaparrish228]

Great reaction! It’s so interesting to me that you see Armand as being restrained here (although I guess he could do worse lol) bc to me this comes across as him letting loose. He usually tends to be more reserved w his feelings but here all of his pettiness and jealousy is really on display (for understandable reasons). I think Armand does a really good job of seeming level headed but that’s bc he makes people (esp Louis) forget about the times where’s he’s a bit unhinged

[@sashaparrish228]

Also really sad to see how lost Louis is without Claudia and Lestat and how desperate Armand is to measure up to them. On the other hand Louis and Daniel’s kinship in this episode is really beautiful

[@MsRagadon]

Just dropped everything I was doing to watch this reaction 😂

[@snootyvegans]

This show is soooooo good!!! Thanks for joining us 😊

[@erikadixon8341]

The man helping Daniel is part of The Talamasca. A new series is coming about them. Coming to AMC and AMC Plus in 2025, Anne Rice's The Talamasca follows the organization responsible for protecting the world from witches, vampires, werewolves and other creatures.

[@erikadixon8341]

SN: this episode, the argument, was Assad’s FIRST episode filmed, he did this performance fresh out the gate.

[@erikadixon8341]

Also, Armand walked in wearing the guy’s shades he just drained…😂😂😂

[@PureeTauruss]

Armand was full on being submissive in that scene and it was so adorable yet tragic to me because Louie really be doing A LOT and Armand is always there the clean it up and pick up the pieces

[@whatadollslife]

😂 Armand comes across as powerful and "wise" only when you think he is the "oldest vampire" ...in the books when you find out that Armand is not the oldest or most powerful you will see him as quite boring and mid level haha just like Lestat thought if him ..Armand tried to curiate Louie like a posession (like his books and paintings ) Louis is not a thing ..........they are all very broken ....next week will be frightening ,mostly because it has already taken place in the past and it cannot be undone .........loved it when the mentioned Richard Pryor burning himseld as a cultural refrence ...yea I remember that

[@belxgarcia]

I think Louis' relationship with Armand is summed up in power. Armand pretends that Louis dominates the relationship, but we have already seen that Armand is always manipulating everything and everyone around Louis, even his memories are manipulated. He thinks Louis wants to be the dominant one in the relationship, but Louis doesn't want to choose, he wants to be the chosen one. He was left aside by his sister, brother and his mother. He put his honor aside to make money and give the best to his family and they didn't value his efforts AND rejected and abandoned him. Suddenly he was chosen by Lestat and for the first time someone was fascinated by him. Lestat was all wrong, all crazy, and yet he loved Louis more than anything, he would do anything for him. They were perfect for each other, and Armand acts as Lestat's complete opposite. So much so that in the discussion they have in this episode, Louis emphasizes that Armand is boring. Louis doesn't want peace or a healthy relationship. And we know little about Armand but from what has been shown he is a great manipulator, he acts as a caregiver for Louis with the aim of making him become dependent on him so he never leaves, yes, he saved Louis from suicide, but I feel like he did it because he's afraid of loneliness. One thing I love about this show is that they show what relationships would be like from a vampire's point of view, Lestat loves Louis, but he's been a vampire for so long that he doesn't know how to be in a relationship, especially with a vampire who was recently transformed and has his humanity preserved. The same goes for Armand and I think this is what the writers are showing about Louis as well, he is no longer the same, he has become self-centered and bitter. The three were broken by the humans they loved and by time, they are harmful to each other and it would be unrealistic if they were not. Anyway, I love your reactions, I'm very happy to have found this channel! (and sorry for my english)

[@t.j._fury]

Your English is good!

[@belxgarcia]

@@t.j._fury thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@Sinonymous]

Emmy's for this show!

[@hills161]

At this point i feel Armand just doesn't want to be alone, thats why he goes as far as altering Louis memories, if Louis leaves him now he has nobody, no coven , no lover, no friends and not to spoil the next episodes for you all but the things that happen in Paris,its likely that Louis will never be able to forgive him. He'll pay lip service but when push comes to shove like in this ep5 he'll burst. I feel sorry for all of them

[@actaccordingly6420]

Is Armand lettingnit happen again? Michal Clair pointed out how Armand knew that Daniel and Louis would have a freer conversation without him present. This is parallel to how Armand let Lestat in to destroy the coven; maybe Armand is tired of this relationship and willing to let Daniel break it? Both Daniels are moving the story along...true journalist.

[@theresacolton644]

Wait? Lestat destroyed the coven?

[@jay-wiki]

@@theresacolton644 Armand's "Children of Darkness," from when Lestat and Armand first met.

[@AB-fx7tg]

Great reaction. I loved hearing your thoughts 🙂Maybe it's just me...but I thought Armand calling up Lestat was a form of a manipulation on his part. He knows that Louis is afraid to see Lestat. We hear Louis say constantly: "no" at the thought of being in contact with Lestat. I think Armand knows about Louis's fear and he's using it to manipulate him. Also, I have no sympathy for Armand. Louis laid out from the beginning that he didn't really want to be in a relationship. He said this in so many different ways in ep 3 and ep 4. Armand knew that Louis wasn't over Lestat AND still decided to pursue him. He knew what he was getting....maybe he underestimated the love between them idk. But that's on him. Lastly, I do find it interesting that Armand saved Louis from killing himself. We hear Louis say "No", while Armand is pulling him back inside...I find it interesting on more of a book level. But I won't spoil. Anyway, thanks for reviewing this amazing episode.

[@I_Kare]

Yes! I was looking for someone who agreed with me - I don't think Armand was trying to be nice at all calling up Lestat - he was punishing Louis!

[@glittermethis]

@@I_KareAnd punishing Lestat too. Armand has never gotten over Lestat not choosing him.

[@raestone4270]

Armand is a very empathetic character but that doesn’t remove his specific style of gaslighting

[@tricepnm8590]

When it comes to episode 5 Louie going to be beat up somehow. Jacob Anderson knows come episode 5 he gone be in disfigured makeup. Now as for the episode another great one for the books. The acting once again top tier. I felt all those emotions in the episode. Definitely deserving of awards once again. Can’t wait for these last 3 episodes.

[@pookiesis1465]

I ve been saying it, that Armand messed with Louis head

[@HuntingViolets]

Amazing episode. Like a vampire version of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” What a time for television it is now. This was the first episode filmed for the season, because they wanted Delainey to have time to develop Claudia. It (the flashback) was filmed sequentially, like a play, and Sam Reid even came in to do the Lestat part, even though it was a voiceover. It was taken quite seriously. Why are we able to hear Lestat’s voice? Is this omniscient rather than in the POV of the characters? Reid thinks this is the only time we’ve been given the real Lestat. Jacob Anderson thinks we’ve never been given the real Lestat.

[@itsreeeshaaa7560]

I believe you nailed it with the Virginia Woolf comparison. Completely.

[@HuntingViolets]

@@itsreeeshaaa7560 Thanks. I think it helps that all these actors have done theatre too.

[@HuntingViolets]

I don’t think anyone is the villain (outside of their all - except Daniel - being serial killers and villains to humans). They are all messed up.

[@cymbamcreynolds8838]

This was such an amazing episode. They keep outdoing themselves each week. I definitely got a Misery vibe from Armand this episode. He spent most of his human and vampire life in forced servitude of others. He NEEDS to be needed but also needs an element of control that he lacked for most of his life. I love how complex the characters are. I feel empathic towards them while also wanting to slap the heck out of them.

[@_adrian_sean]

🧠 🤔 also let's talk about how powerful Armand is. He's holding control of Louis' mind.... Everyday.... Without a slip.... For over FORTY YEARS. While going about his day, hunting, doing other things and STILL holding into his mind. Yes Louis & Lestat are overly... OVERLY ATTACHED and need some separation. But for him to make that choice for him was unfair. Good God I just want Armand to go to some vampire therapist and get help. He's been thru so much and keeps trying to make this things work. I just want to scream to him that just because he was a slave as a child and he's soft spoken doesn't mean he's a sub or should walk behind anyone. He's just used to it because that's how he was raised and feels wrong when he's in charge. Armand has got to learn to walk in his own strength

[@LadyYunalesca]

Thank you so much for this episode. Y’all and Maeven are the only people I watch for this incredible series.

[@Jbreeze3878]

That monologue from Armand while prepping Daniel to be consumed cut so deep they had to attach a suicide prevention hotline at the end of the episode…

[@cullenarthur8879]

I think that was more from Louis trying to burn himself up in the sun.

[@Jbreeze3878]

@@cullenarthur8879 On second watch there were one or two other casual references to suicide as well. I just think seeing Armand's "methodology" as Louis previously described it really struck a chord, especially for anyone "half in love" or dark thoughts of that nature.

[@cullenarthur8879]

@@Jbreeze3878 probably. That was a common theme this episode.

[@timothylangston3560]

1973 is the year of the Original interview.

[@ericchips9314]

Daniel is the biggest mystery. He said he's good at angles with a gift to reach people. Isn't it interesting after all those years, Armand was telling him his story too? He's the only one who lived. And Armand said Daniel's nothing but a hole. What did he mean by that? Another note, I'm probably wrong, but I think Lestat showed up after Armand called out to him, and then Armand wiped out both Daniel and Louis' memory. Daniel had been there for 4 days. What a deep show! Even if it's canceled, I've got to buy the books.

[@LaFayette3110]

Armand is immune to the sun so the rescue was nothing. I empathize with him and did he do anything that bad, like really😂. This was such a good episode, I hope we get an Armand centric episode soon ❤

[@samfernandez5117]

I don't feel too bad for Armand cause he knew what he was signing up for by getting with Louis. I would not be able to put up with Louis in a relationship. The constant doom and gloom and constantly bringing up your ex. Like Louis is just as boring as Armand.

[@itsreeeshaaa7560]

I’ve never been a Louie fan. He just rubs me the wrong way. He always has.

[@struggleskywalker1025]

He's what is known as a covert narcissist. That's why I don't particularly like him. At least with Lestat, he's honest about it and wears it on his sleeve, which by that point gives you the chance to notice the red flags and run away. Lestat even said to Claudia, “You can call me a dog, but I’m an honest dog.” It's also the same reason why I like characters like Damon Salvatore (TVD) and Peter Hale (Teen Wolf) over their counterparts Stefan and Scott. Because you can only cover yourself with that “victim blanket” and blame everyone else for your problems for so long, but when things start heating up, you got two choices: burn up in your own delusions and mistakes, or take that sucker off and get a nice cold splash of fucking reality.

[@romanmccoy5074]

Another important point is that Louis is a mistake, he never should have been a vampire both in the books and show he never reconciles that. In both book and show he tries to kill himself, but in both a powerful vampire saves him from himself and he keeps enduring. But thats not a healthy place to be, especially forever and especially not fair to put a partner in that position. First lestat, then claudia, then armand. He drags them all down in with him, to ill end most of the time

[@struggleskywalker1025]

Now that you've said that, a part of me can't help but wonder if that was the underlying meaning of Lestat’s words when he called Claudia a mistake. I know Lestat loves him more than anything, even in his own f’d up way, but maybe, JUST maybe he was projecting some of those deep, deep, DEEP, deep-seated resentments he harbors for Louis for making his life so unbearable since he came to NOLA. It's like Nicki all over again, only this time, Louis, unlike Nicki, is unable to tell Lestat to “fuck off and find someone else” with his whole chest puffed out, because as much as he hates him, he loves him too. What’s worse is that Lestat himself doesn't believe himself capable of leaving Louis entirely either, so he stays in this fucked up gothic romance that is ultimately, to quote Lestat, “tied around their ankles like an anvil dragging them down to the ocean floor.” Sure, making Claudia was a mistake for several reasons, most of which are known to the fans already. But had he not made Louis, Claudia would have never been an issue, to begin with, in essence making Louis the real and true first mistake.

[@glittermethis]

Lestat does not and has never viewed making Louis a mistake in the show or the books. I don’t want to away any more book spoilers, but Lestat has made his feelings clear about Nicki and Louis.

[@jordanparker657]

"Louis never reconciles being a vampire""..... All I would say is keep reading 😊

[@jordanparker657]

​@@glittermethisThank you . Happy Tuesday ❤🌷

[@glittermethis]

@@jordanparker657Hi friend🤗 I get these notifications so late. Hope you’re having a nice week so far❤️

[@iwillcry]

I don't see Louis or Armand as villains. They're messy and grotesque creatures, but at their cores they want to be loved and understood, and they don't know how to achieve that. Louis can't deal with his past which keeps bleeding into his every action, and Armand is desperately picking up the pieces that hold their relationship together. Both of them could have walked out at any time but don't want to be completely alone. like Lestat confessed, I think all vampires fear loneliness above all else.

[@struggleskywalker1025]

Real talk, Louis kinda reminds me of Bella from Twilight or Elena Gilbert/Katherine Pierce but with a dash of salt and pepper, less self-aware of his own narcissism, and slightly more interesting. I am not accepting criticism at this time and I will DIE ON THAT HILL OF CAVALRY.

[@erikadixon8341]

💯💯💯

[@JuniorMarzy]

Armand looks suave and good with his hair like that. He’s so mysterious and creepy yet charming.

[@theslyphooka]

The brilliance of this show is that you can understand all the characters, even as they do horrific things. You can feel for Armand in this episode AND he is so damn terrifying. Just like the fifth episode of the first season, this episode really exposes how abusive and manipulative his dynamic with Louis is. The power difference between them means that Louis doesn't really have any control; the only change between Louis begging Armand not to hurt Daniel and Louis asking Armand not to kill Daniel is that Armand chooses to obey the second time. Armand 'offers' to leave Louis, but only when Louis is so helpless that he has needed Armand to move him. The awful things that Armand says to Louis he does without even the weak excuse of being strung out on drugs, and, unlike Louis, he never apologises for them. Daniel points out that Louis was clearly having a mental breakdown during this time, desperate to talk to anyone because he and Armand seem to be carefully not speaking about anything prior to them leaving Paris, and Armand seems to interpret this as basically cheating. What a fascinating mess.

[@brittanywallace6485]

Armand is my favorite character. Still, I think he kind of does torture Louis a bit in this episode. He lets Louis sit in agonizing pain for days. Armand calls up Lestat when Louis is an extremely vulnerable situation. Not cool. Also, he wouldn’t let Louis go. That’s why he didn’t tell Louis that Lestat loved him. I get his frustrations, but he CAN leave too.

[@Quania2004]

Where is this misconception coming from that he left him in pain for days? Louis calls out to Armand before the Lestat thing saying that the pain was back, implying Armand has been giving him blood to dull the pain the entire time.

[@brittanywallace6485]

Armand left Louis in the bed for five days. It was Tuesday when Louis met Daniel and Saturday when he moved Louis to the coffin and gave him his blood. He wanted Louis to feel pain because he was in pain.

[@Quania2004]

@@brittanywallace6485 Honestly asking. Do we know if being in the coffin has extra healing powers? They sleep in beds. I also will add that he was still giving Louis blood during that time which is healing.

[@IvyJames-ru4vj]

@@Quania2004i think it helps lestat also told Louis to put him in a coffin

[@lovelaced]

what really gets me about this episode is that armand waited for several days before putting louis in the coffin to heal properly…the dom/sub dynamic of their relationship is what keeps both of them feeling safe (louis gets to feel in control and powerful, armand gets to feel secure + being submissive is probably what he’s used to after everything he experienced at the brothel and with marius), but it doesn’t truly extend past the bedroom. no matter how much they pretend, armand is far more powerful, and he will always use that power over louis if he believes that’s what’s necessary to keep louis with him, which is exactly what we see in this episode. in a fucked up way, armand is exerting dominance over louis to keep himself in that submissive role he wishes he could be in.

[@brittanywallace6485]

I agree that Louis makes poor decision that hurt people. I think all these characters do. I would only call Louis a Villain in Claudia’s story.

[@voxxy85]

I feel for Armand. Even though he's no saint, I can understand where he's coming from.

[@deedramcconis1763]

All of these actors are brilliant.i don't like Armand AT ALL but Assad makes me feel sorry for Armand....but Armand blanked Louis and Daniel's memory and implanted phrases and memories Listen to Louis in the beginning about why armand saved daniel and armand at the end.Armand had no intention of letting Louis go lol

[@mayaamis]

best episode of the show yet absolutely incredible performances from everyone. standing ovation!!

[@nicholasnorris2249]

This is the result of the show writers trying to overlap perspectives/narratives from multiple books. This is most definitely the first episode to see a more “true” version of Armand. We are circling closer to the truth and it’s about to go off! These are some of my favorite books and it’s been great to see how they’ve been adapted into this show.

[@elijahjackson1052]

Louis, Armand, and Lestat are all toxic, and "the villain". They all have tragic backstories but still do terrible things, especially to people they "love". They all have their own brand of toxicity. Lestat is a narcissist and will put himself before anyone, Armond is extremely insecure to his own detriment and Louis is manipulative and cannot look past his own self-hatred. All three of these men are playing the same game. The only true victim of the series is Claudia.

[@charlesharry7901]

Agree Claudia is the victim she didn't deserve this

[@jossminion]

Came here to say this. I think it’s a mistake to try and find a “villain” here. That’s just not what this story is. They are all of them monstrous and sympathetic in turn.

[@fluorescent_shrimp]

Claudia is anything but victim She's worse than them all

[@elijahjackson1052]

@@fluorescent_shrimp That’s an interesting perspective. What makes you say that?

[@fluorescent_shrimp]

@@elijahjackson1052 she's egoistic and selfish af Everything she does only benefits her, not Louis, but she still pretends all the time. And plays victim, just like Louis but 10x times worse. At least Louis sometimes admits he's wrong

[@lstarsabb]

Y'all miss read. Armand's intentions for contacting Lestat. 😂 He didn't do that out of the goodness of his heart that was his petty moment of getting back at Louis for being a bitch to him by touting him with Lestat. That's why he rushed to end that call once Lestat said he loved Louis. He knows Lestat will always has his heart but he is not going to let Lestat take him after he broke his heart. Louis showed his hole ass and you do feel for Armand Louis told him in so many words. He doesn't want him.

[@yourvalentine3726]

I think there is a difference between misread and having a different opinion. I don't believe either reading is wrong just different

[@romanmccoy5074]

Armand and Daniel end up together in the books

[@Just2gofoods]

Oh wow. I want to read the book.

[@DontDrinkTheLuminol]

BIIIIIIIG spoiler there, that's books and books away and an outcome, not a motive or insight.

[@AnxietyRat]

​​@@Just2gofoods The relationship is really only talked about in a single chapter... Called the Devil's Minion. You can find a PDF of it online so you don't have to buy the whole book for that single chapter.... So there isn't like a book dedicated to their relationship, unfortunately. But Armand/Daniel is like the second most popular ship within this fandom... So you aren't alone in liking them! There is that single chapter in one of the books and then there is a single line in the very last book of the series that indicates that Armand is wanting to rekindle his relationship with Daniel.... Who knows how long that would last though... Vampire relationships can be kind of fickle so none of the relationships are endgame in the colloquial term that fandom uses... But in their own way they're (Louis/Lestat and Daniel/Armand) essentially endgame, I suppose.

[@struggleskywalker1025]

@@AnxietyRat you just put to words why I hope, partially, that they switch it up at the end and don't have Lestat go crawling back to Louis in the end of Prince Lestat. Because vampire relationships are fickle, and they don't last and with as much baggage as these two carry into the relationship, I doubt it would last very long. Honestly, I really feel like Anne Rice shoehorned that ship in at the last minute because other fans were harping on her about diminishing Louis’s importance, but truthfully, they could have stayed friends or had a queerplatonic relationship.

[@AnxietyRat]

@@struggleskywalker1025 yeah, I mean I'm a romantic at heart so I personally do kind of want the relationship to veer more into the romantic side of things but honestly I would be fine if it stayed queerplatonic as well. There's absolutely a possibility of a queerplatonic relationship being the healthiest long term relationship that they could have with each other... I could see that.... It's not what my heart dreams of ...but I could see it happening.

[@kev121]

Some people keep talking about the great love between Louis and Lestat. Am I the only one who remembers Lestat beating Louis like eggs to be scrambled, dragging him by his throat, flying him into the stratosphere and then dropping him, all the while talking about how he has restrained himself, which meant he wanted do that the entire time Louis was missing Claudia? And all the while he was laying up with Antoinette. Why? Because he didn’t believe Louis really loved him. That said, most of Louis’ relationships have been toxic. He and Lestat, he and Claudia, he and Armand, he and his raggedy family. The common denominator is Louis. He puts himself in situations, then whines about being a victim. He took Lestat back when he could’ve told him no. He promised Claudia they were each other’s ride or die, knowing he didn’t believe that. He told Armand that Lestat was nothing more than his maker when Armand offered him an out. I won’t call Louis a villain, but he is definitely an antagonist. Gawd I love this show! 😂🤣

[@struggleskywalker1025]

True, but, now that we know for sure that Armand has been fucking with Louis’s head for God knows how long, we can't really take any of what he’s been saying at face value, including the big fight between him and Lestat. I'm not saying that it didn't happen, I’m just saying it might not have happened the way we were told. Especially, since Armand was really preying off of Louis’s disdain and simultaneous love for Lestat and was trying to punish him for it. Who is to say that wasn't when he decided to implant/rewrite that memory? Also, Louis is both the greatest protagonist and antagonist in his own freaking story. But for the most part, he puts his flaws on other people and blames them for his misery so that he can play the victim. It's its own brand of narcissism but more covert, and it gives him more time to live out his fantasy delusion of heroism/victimhood while everyone else suffers around him (admittedly from their own dumbass decision to be with Louis).

[@fluorescent_shrimp]

He took Lestat back because he's the love of his life, Louis literally cannot function properly if not with him. Also, physical violence wasn't in the books and we know armand can manipulate Louis's memories

[@lilianaarmijo4518]

el problema de louis es el mismo y en los libros se lo dice a lestat cuando no podia asumir las consecuencias de sus decisiones le echaba la culpa de todo a lestat

[@kev121]

@@struggleskywalker1025I am in full agreement with you.

[@mitch1833]

Armand, being so desperate to be loved, willing to be whatever his lover wants, so afraid to be left alone. That's his downfall. He clings too much. He manipulates them. He doesn't do it to be evil. He is just lives in fear of the ones he loves leaving him.

[@JuniorMarzy]

I like how it looks when they get burned by the sun. The visuals.

[@actaccordingly6420]

I don't think Louis is an innocent. The blaring reality to me is the he particpated in the premeditated murder of Lestat. Lestat cant read Louis mind so Louis and Claudia could have just snuck off. Even Claudia was cruel...taunting Lestat about losing Nikki. Lestat was also desperate for Louis companionship , he just barged his way into Louis life where Armand pleads for Louis companionship. Lestat and Armand are like two sides of a coin. Lestat was willing to kill Claudia to make a new coven with himself, Louis and Antoinette. Just saying Armand isnt the only one desparate for companionship. Also, Louis was killing Daniel when Armand showed up, had it not been for Armand, Daniel would have been gone. And who ordered the change to Daniel's memories but Louis. Louis commands in his relationships. Louis did the same with Lestat...Lestat made Claudia because Louis asked even though Lestat knew it was against the rules, Lestat told Louis he would do what Louis asked and he did even to the point of letting Louis go from the sky. It appears so far that Louis has emotional control in the relationships, though his companions are older and stronger vampires. Louis companions are desperate to please him and stick by him thorough incredible acts of betrayal.

[@Jojo-iz9bi]

Didn’t Louis kinda do the same thing with Lestat too. Like when Claudia left it was all about Louis’ grief while Lestat stayed with him feeling lonely while in a relationship. Lestat did show restraint with Louis too until that crazy night. I think Armand really loves Louis more than anything, even in the books.

[@lilianaarmijo4518]

no es asi en los libros si quiso a louis pero el gran amor de su existencia es lestat incluso lo amo mas que a su creador lo consideraba su igual parte de su gran amargura proviene del hecho que lestat no tenia el mismo punto de vista que el no podria amarlo

[@glittermethis]

@@lilianaarmijo4518True facts, and that came out of Armand’s mouth.

[@raynashacannon4012]

You guys put into words exactly what I was thinking. If I was Armand I would have snapped long before that. Especially when I’m telling you that you can leave if I’m not what you want and you keep saying you want to stay. It’s clear Louis is miserable but then again he’s miserable everywhere as Armand pointed out this episode.

[@AnxietyRat]

I mean Armand TOLD Loui he can leave whenever he wants.... But then he also completely erased the ENTIRE interaction from Louis' mind so... would he really let Louis leave??? I don't think so.

[@raynashacannon4012]

@@AnxietyRat yes but he also doesn’t erase his memories until the entire interaction is over. So he tells him he can leave right there and Louis say no he doesn’t want to. Then more with Daniel and then comes the erasing of memories and we still don’t know why he’s erasing his memories or how that came about at least in the show.

[@glittermethis]

@@AnxietyRatAgreed! Louis was weak and in pain. Like how was he supposed to leave in that moment when he couldn’t walk or crawl into his coffin 🤷🏾‍♀️ It would’ve taken Louis years to heal from those burns without Armand’s blood, and Armand barely gave him enough to take the edge off the pain. That was an empty offer on Armand’s part. He didn’t go through all that drama at 7:00 in the morning to let Louis leave him.

[@AnxietyRat]

@@raynashacannon4012 I mean from everything the showrunners and Assad have said in interviews... You can guess what Armands motivation is and that it's the same as in the books, pretty much, from what book readers have told me. Armand is insecure and desperate and just trying to protect the relationship he has with Louis by ANY means necessary...that's why he's erasing Louis memory. Or at least that's the reason that makes the most sense from what little tidbits everyone involved in the show has talked about. He's trying the smooth the rockiness of the boat that is their relationship whenever a fight or suicide attempt happens , probably.

[@AnxietyRat]

@@glittermethis exactly this!

[@RoderickGraham-me5ur]

I have a theory about this episode and the previous episode. There is someone else getting involved between Louis and Armand. If you noticed Armand refers to Louis as "maitre" on two occasions. Now why would someone, who is much older than Louis, refer to someone as such? It made no sense to me at first. And then it hit me. After we hear the story of how Armand become who is now. I believe Marius has been helping Armand when it comes to Louis. We have not seen him yet, but I believe this is a way of introducing the next main character. Marius has a link to Armand, because he made Armand (remember the story in the previous episode). By the way, Marius is one of the elder vampires. He was created by the queen herself, Akasha. It will be interesting to see how the next season plays out. Are we going to get Armand's backstory next or are our we going to see LeStat's backstory? Either way, Marius plays a key role in both. That's just a theory that I have. Armand has resurrected Marius in some form or fashion.

[@glittermethis]

No spoilers- Marius is an ancient vampire but Akasha is not his maker. Also, Marius never told Armand about those who must be kept. Hopefully, we’ll get Marius on the show next season. I’m sure the Marius fans want some respect on his name after the museum story was told.

[@celestinebuendia]

Louis: *Argues with his partner because he feels suffocated by their relationship and feels hopeless and depressed, saying awful things while high, then tries to kill himself.* Reactor: “Oh, so Louis is the villain!” How can I side-eye this enough? Compared to what we’ve seen literally everyone else do in this series, Louis has literally been the most human and normal. Self-pitying and self-destructive, yes, but he’s basically the only one we’ve seen not resort to torturing or mutilating others due to his trauma. Unlike Armand, who held captive and tortured some random “boy” for a week due to petty jealousy. I like all the characters, feel like they’re tragic, but this blame on Louis for THIS episode feels especially media literacy dead.

[@CocaInn3799]

"I have a new whole respect for Armand" - I agree

[@ruk2111]

I love this reaction so much coz you can see you guys falling in love with Armand in real time. Credit to the actor (Assad Zaman) because he makes it so easy to fall in love with him. It was a powerful & important episode for Armand. Just pure cinema

[@JuniorMarzy]

Louis isn’t innocent but villian not compared to Armand and Lestat. He was just high off them drugs.

[@jaimebergner]

Armand is a manipulative monster

[@Layla-im8qe]

Louie was always the bigger villain on the down low, drowning in self pity! He's never accepted any accountability for the choices he made! Armand's love for Louie is truly eternal, much to his own dismay... same as Lestat!

[@Hannah-rn2jn]

I really enjoy your reactions to this show and have been watching you since season 1, but I have to say I found your (and a lot of the commenters') lack of empathy for Louis in this episode really surprising. I think the show is very clear about telling us that this is a case of domestic abuse - not the same as the abuse Lestat enacted on Louis, but a more subtle, emotional one. The show is trying to tell us that domestic abuse comes in many ways, and this is one of them. Louis is at this point mourning his daughter (I assume since he tried to kill himself after saying she was “calling to him”), he's mentally unstable, depressed and a drug addict (pumping guys full of drugs to drink from them every night). I understand Armand’s frustrations with him, but his reaction to his partner self-destructing every night and finally trying to commit suicide is to berate him, deny him care (not putting him in his coffin and only letting him drink his blood to heal on the 4th day), torture his hookup as a proxy (Louis even confirms this is what it was in Dubai, saying “rage is an imprecise emotion, he was angry but I was an invalid” - implying Armand wanted to hurt HIM but couldn’t), and finally threatening to leave and calling up his physically abusive ex while Louis cries and begs him not to. He does all of this to exert control, punish him and guilt him into staying with him. Yes, Louis said hurtful things to him (and Armand said some back). But what kind of partner does this in response? It's horrifying. And after all of that, he violates Louis’ trust and agency AGAIN by erasing his memories. In the present day he gaslights him (suggesting that Louis planted the photographs in the previous episode) and controls his life completely (“Armand preserves my happiness even when I don’t or can’t”). The show tells us that Armand preys specifically on suicidal people - Louis outright says this in the present day and we see it in Armand’s speech to Daniel. This is all clear-cut domestic abuse. And yes, Louis is a “mess” in the sense that he is severely mentally ill, and some of his actions are decidedly horrible. I am not always on his side, especially with how he treats Claudia. But abused people are rarely “perfect victims”, and this feels like a real depiction of that. I also think that Armand truly believes he is doing all of this for Louis’ own benefit, to “protect him from himself” as he says - but that doesn’t change the fact that his behavior IS violent, in every way but physical. I really do love your reviews and reactions, but it was honestly hard to watch you take Armand’s side in this one. I hope you read this and maybe reconsider how you think about this storyline.

[@nonofogaborone6640]

Y'all armand entering his lestat era is actually ridiculous 😭😭 the betrayal is REAL. my jaw dropped when he witheld the message and the memory editing as well? What an episode 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@JuniorMarzy]

I always picked up on the sexual tension between Louis and Daniel. We approve

[@GenerousKingATL]

Lestat is Luis real love

[@chensanmo]

This reminds me of my love life. The first paragraph may seem full of flaws, but it's very real. For example: Leicester. The second paragraph thought it was perfect and met the dream lover, but it was full of deception. For example: This Armand

[@Triskaan]

What a bloody amazing episode.

[@what1dreamt]

You hit it on the nail on every aspect of the episode. Love it.

[@walksonair]

Glad you guys loved it!!!! 3 more episodes to go, please be sure you have extra Kleenex!!

[@isaiahhenderson9538]

This show was crazy lol

[@hypertwink]

Armand having this much control over Louis (& Daniel) reminds me so much of how Willow mind wiped Tara in Buffy. What we do for love eh… This cemented my realization that Daniel is my favorite character, kudos to Eric Bogosian & Luke Brandon Field

[@alwaysbam]

Yo. PUT SOME RESPECT ON ARMANDS NAME 😂😭🤣 I suddenly like him more. As if we finally see behind the facade. Also to hell with Louis and Lestat. Claudia is right. They're bastards

[@leslust]

They’re all nasty. Armand isn’t any better than the rest.

[@charlesharry7901]

I knew Claudia was right since they arrived in Paris

[@fluorescent_shrimp]

Claudia is worse than them, she's not right, neither is she a victim

[@struggleskywalker1025]

Lestat is a bastard but at least he's honest about it. Louis just puts his bullshit off on other people so that he can play the victim/hero/good guy/martyr.

[@alwaysbam]

​@Jevjevjevj literally made against her will. Hell she had no will. Stuck in one mind frame of a pre teen. It is what it is. Her parents are to blame. Louis ans Lestat

[@RAA_50]

Very powerful.......😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@Tez.92]

❤❤